Bisacodyl belongs to the class of medications called stimulant laxatives like Senna, which can stimulate a bowel movement by increasing the activity of the intestines. It is therefore commonly used to treat constipation or for bowel evacuation.
In Hong Kong, Bisacodyl is available in tablet and suppository form. Unless advised by a healthcare professional, Bisacodyl should not be used for more than 7 days. Otherwise, bowel dependence might occur.
The suggested dosages for different uses and age groups are listed below:
For constipation
Adult
Oral: 5-10 mg once daily at night
Rectal: 10 mg once daily in the morning
Child 4-17 years
Oral: 5-20 mg once daily at night
Child 2-17 years
Rectal: 5-10 mg once daily
For bowel evacuation
Adult
Initially take an oral dose of 10 mg twice daily in the morning and evening. Then, use a 10 mg suppository 1-2 hours before any procedure the following day.
Common dosing schedule:
Bisacodyl tablets can be taken with or without food. Tablets have a special coating, so they should not be crushed, split, or chewed.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Bisacodyl may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Bisacodyl is an over-the-counter medicine that can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Bisacodyl in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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